Welcome to Salem United Church of Christ
Living Out God's Love
We are an open and affirming congregation, and our mission is to witness to the word and work of Jesus so all people may know the welcome of God, worship with joy, grow as disciples, live as servants, and enjoy the strength of Christian fellowship.
SALEM WEEKLY NEWS
For October 16, 2020
ONLINE WORSHIP
Following our two successful services in the parking lot we are now back online for worship this Sunday. The sermon for this week, continuing the series in how God is portrayed in various books of the Bible, describes the God of Jeremiah. The featured text is Jeremiah 1:4-10, but the sermon draws upon materials from elsewhere in the book as well.
BELL SOLO
Carrie Coenen, Handbell Director at Salem, has recorded a bell solo (with some piano accompaniment). Carrie’s solo is part of this week’s online service. We are grateful for Carrie’s gifted contribution.
EVENING WORSHIP BY THE FIRESIDE . . . Two More Sundays at 6:30 PM.
It is starting to get dark on us before we are quite finished with our fireside worship gatherings so we are going for just two more: this Sunday and October 25. Join us as we enjoy a fire, a time of prayer, a time of scriptural reflection, and a time of fellowship.
BIBLE STUDY on THE BOOK OF REVELATION
Mark will be leading the Adult Sunday School class over Zoom, beginning this Sunday at 10 A.M. The topic is “Leaning on God in a Difficult Time.” We will meet five times under this subject. Our purpose will be to read key chapters of the Book of Revelation, all with an eye on how Revelation points to God’s enduring presence with us today. Contact us if you do not receive the Zoom link prior to Sunday morning. To prepare for the class, please read the first chapter of the Book of Revelation.
NOMINATING COMMITTEE
A Nominating Committee is at work making calls and other contacts in search of a slate of officers to be elected at our Annual Congregational Meeting in November. We hope that if you are called you will say “Yes.” Please be praying for the Nominating Committee in its work and pray, too, about the role you can have in helping our congregation conduct its vital mission.
CONSECRATION SUNDAY WAS A HUGE SUCCESS!
Thank you to all who were present and who helped make Consecration Sunday the huge success that it was! The amount pledged just that morning was $181,526, which is well over half-way toward the total amount in the working draft of the proposed budget for 2021 that will be presented to the congregation at the Annual Meeting on November 8.
EXPECT A MAILING IF YOU WERE NOT PRESENT SUNDAY
Those who were unable to be present for Consecration Sunday can expect to receive a mailing in the very near future. This mailing will include an estimate of giving card allowing you to project for the church the amount you hope to give. If for some reason you do not receive one, please be in touch with the church. The Stewardship Committee will be happy to hear from you as it continues to follow-up and complete our work of pledging this year.
CROP WALK
The Madison Area CROP Walk is on, but WE ARE WALKING SEPARATELY! Salem Youth Group have staked out a quarter mile route for individuals and families to take part in. The walk includes facts about clean water and hunger concerns,prayers, carrying water jugs, chalk drawing and "Where is Zaccheus?" Walk as often as you want, whenever you want from OCTOBER 18-25. The route begins under the carport by the front entrance.
DONATE...Google Madison Crop Hunger Walk, find Salem’s Team, then click register or donate OR drop off your donations on Sunday, October 25, 1-2 pm at Salem. Our goal is to raise $1,000 in donations!
THANKSGIVING BASKETS . . . Pandemic Style
The COVID 19 pandemic has changed many things in all of our lives. This includes how Salem will contribute Thanksgiving baskets to Badger Prairie Needs Network. The pantry has transitioned to curbside operation for the foreseeable future to limit exposure for both clients and volunteers. That transition will effect both how food is received and distributed for both Thanksgiving and Christmas. This year the pantry is asking for church members not toshop but to provide $30 towards the purchase of food for baskets. COVID and the resulting unemployment has more than doubled the number of families BPNN serves each month. With food from the CARES Act and donations from local churches, BPNN will be able to provide holiday meals for local families.
If you are able, please drop off or mail a check for $30 per basket to Salem by Wednesday October 28. As in the past, checks should be made out to Salem. Please note that the check is for a Thanksgiving basket. Last year Salem contributed 113 baskets to help those in need in our community. The mission committee will miss counting and seeing all those beautiful brown bags on the altar. Thank you in advance for your continued generosity in supporting our local neighbors in need.
9:00AM Sunday School
10:15AM Worship
Our office is open in the mornings on weekdays.
Our Community
Whether you are looking to renew your relationship with God or just find friends to support you through good times and bad, Salem offers regular services, fellowship, outreach, community service, potluck programs, and musical groups to keep you coming back.
